Lib Dems to introduce legislation to proscribe the IRGC

EMBARGO: 2230 Tuesday 3rd March 2025

As the conflict in the Middle East continues, the Liberal Democrats will be bringing forward legislation to urgently proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). 

This comes as Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, in her response to Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller during FCDO questions, refused to commit to emergency legislation to proscribe the group. 

The Liberal Democrats have been calling for the IRGC to be proscribed since 2024, and are now introducing a bill to push the Government to move with more urgency to designate the group as a terror organisation.

The Government has continued to drag their feet on the implementation of the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism and State Threat Legislation, Jonathan Hall KC’s, recommendations for the proscription of the IRGC, first published in May 2025. 

While the IRGC has long been the architect of brutal domestic repression - as well as a threat to UK security and the safety of Iranian and Jewish communities across Britain - the current turmoil in Iran, and the growing risks of IRGC retaliation, has added a new level of urgency.

Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Calum Miller MP, said:

“There are precious few certainties in the turmoil created by Trump and Netanyahu's unilateral military action - least of all whether any of this will bring freedom and security for Iranians who deserve a better future. One certainty is that the IRGC, if given the chance, will double down on its campaign to export terror to the UK.

“Liberal Democrats have been calling on the Government to proscribe the IRGC since 2024. Any more dither and delay from the Government on taking this step will only endanger Iranian and Jewish communities across our country.

“The Liberal Democrats will therefore introduce a bill to put an end to the Government's foot-dragging and ensure the IRGC are proscribed imminently, not another ten months down the line.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

2024 Lib Dem calls for the IRGC to be proscribed here.  

Jonathan Hall’s Review was first published on 19 May 2025.